Forecasters are predicting at least 7 inches could fall on the Chicago area by Tuesday night, with 1 to 2 inches per hour expected at the height of the storm hours earlier, according to the National Weather Service.

The heavy snow, mixed with winds topping 30 mph, could lead to a “challenging commute” Tuesday morning and evening, said Anne Sheahan, spokeswoman for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. The department anticipates dispatching its fleet of more than 280 trucks through Wednesday morning.

-Chicago Tribune contributed to this report.